Brendan Rodgers praises Jordan Henderson for protecting his team

Jordan Henderson has been praised for his willingness to protect his team by Liverpool's manager, Brendan Rodgers, following the midfielder's tunnel row with Diego Costa.

Liverpool’s vice-captain was involved in an angry confrontation with the Chelsea striker after Tuesday’s Capital One Cup semi-final first leg at Anfield, which involved the pair being separated in the tunnel by a member of the home team’s staff. Rodgers refused to be drawn on the incident yesterday, and did not witness it, yet was full of praise for Henderson’s leadership qualities.

Rodgers, who claimed his team can challenge for the Premier League title again next season, said: “Jordan was searching for his status at the club when I first came here. Now you see his leadership qualities on and off the field. He will protect his team and colleagues.”

Henderson will be in contention to replace Steven Gerrard as captain when the midfielder joins LA Galaxy this summer. Although Rodgers insists that the promotion "is not automatic", he has been impressed by the 24-year-old.

Qualities

“Watching Steven closely in his time, he will understand why I have given him the vice-captaincy, and the leadership qualities that are demanded. He will only grow and get better from it. You saw the other night that he is very much a team player.

“This is a guy who, at the end of last season, when we were in for the title and he was suspended for the final three games after he was sent off against Manchester City, went to someone here at the club and said: ‘If there are any media duties to be done, I will do them’. He wanted the other players to concentrate on the game.”

Rodgers, who confirmed that Daniel Sturridge is not ready for the FA Cup fourth-round tie against Bolton Wanderers tomorrow, predicted his team would challenge for the title next season.

“With so many changes, we were not going to win the league this season. We will be ready to challenge for the title next year. This year was about targeting the top four and the cups. I think this squad has Premier League-winning capabilities. We have young players who can grow together. ” Guardian Service